I just got myself an Ebow hoping to have an extra "trick in the bag" whenever the moment may call for it. I know there is a little bit of a learning curve with this device, but I sure am finding it difficult to control. If I get the Ebow in the sweet spot, I can get a single string to sustain. But as soon as I try any string crossing, the drive channel on the ebow always seems to miss the target. The string spacing on the Stick is partly to blame, I'm sure, but I've heard a couple of other guys here (Akin?) getting good success with the Ebow. Any advice from Ebow users would be much appreciated! Thanks lads - Matt

After using it a lot on guitar, I found that applying it to Stick required a lot more care...and I tend not to switch across the strings as often.

As always, judicious use of a volume pedal and lots of 'ambience' helps.

Give the note a little kick to help the Ebow take hold.

I've not managed to get it working across strings (arpeggio style) either, but it's pretty easy on a single string. The ridge spacing on it seems to suit my Grand 10 really well, so it's pretty easy on the middle few strings on bass or melody side. Just needs a bit more care on other strings. And avoid loud spots, usually right over the middle of the pickup.

Something I've found to be quite interesting too, is, once you have a string singing nicely, you can bounce the eBow up and down for a tremelo/pizzicato style effect. Haven't tried running that through an octaver, now *that* might be cool!

EG

I'm finding that my E-bow doesn't work as well on my new Grand Stick with PASV-4 pickups. On my guitar, bass, NS I can do things with it, but on my Grand it's a bit limited. I'm curious if it's more from the 36" scale length or the pickups, or both. I don't get the "hot-spot" off the PASV-4's, probably because passive single-coil pickups have a smaller playing area for an E-bow as compared to Humbuckers or Active. For my Stick, I'm finding the best results by holding the E-Bow over the fingerboard, maybe 5-6 frets away from the fretted note.

Funny, I tried to post the same time as EG, and this site stopped it to prompt me to read his post before continuing. EG, which pickups did you get? I'm not having any luck over the pickups with the E-Bow.

Also have PASV-4 and although it's a bit different to the A-2 with e-bow, I've found it just as successful. I think it just takes time, as each pickup has different tonal characteristics and sensitivities.

EG

Also have PASV-4, fwiw.

you have to modify it for the Stick. Try removing the front plate it picks up the strings alot better

Sounds better when I plug in stereo, nasty in mono. I can get a better "hotspot" now, but it's still bit weak. I tried different tone & pickup settings, not much help. One mode on the E-bow seems to work better than the other. I'll have to try it with effects next.

Hi there,

I shaved off the "ribs" on the bottom to avoid the string spacing problem. I've never had a problem with lack of volume on the PASV4. Man the hot spot is scary loud. As far a technique about all I do is put on a little skinny black tie and do Fripp stuff.

Rob Cathcart